Events Calendar
Benefits and Fundraisers
Turkey Shoot. June 27, starting at 5 p.m. at Jesse Welch’s residence in Big Cove Community in Cherokee, NC.. Fundraiser for a few elders going to Tahlequah, OK. for Cherokee National Holidays celebration to pitch in Horseshoes.
Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. July 8 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital, Welch Top Conference Room, 1 Hospital Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. INFO: SCAN QR CODE
Cherokee Family Safety Program Ride. Aug. 29 register at 9 a.m. ride at 12 noon. Meet at 7923 Big Cove Rd., Cherokee, NC.28719 INFO: Thomas Wolfe (828) 269-8989. All proceeds go to the Family Safety Program in Cherokee, NC.
EBCI Community Events
VA Disability Claims Clinic. July 7-8 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Convention Center. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Winston-Salem VA Regional Office have partnered to bring the PACT ACT VA Disability Claims event to Cherokee. Tribal health service programs will be available at the event along with staff from the Winston-Salem VA Regional Office who will answer questions related to veteran and survivor benefits, assist with filing claims, and provide updates on existing claims. Info: https://benefits.va.gov/winstonsalem/
Wolftown Community Day. July 11 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Wolftown Field & Gym, Wolftown Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Traditional songs and dances, kids fun run, water, fun, axe throwing, stickball games. INFO: Abe Jackson (828) 736-3082.
Tim Hill Memorial Fishing Tournament. July 11 and 12. Must purchase a valid fishing permit that covers both days of the tournament. INFO: fishcherokee.com or on Facebook: Fish Cherokee.
Vacation Bible School. July 13 through 16 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Straight Fork Baptist Church 11771 Big Cove Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Classes for all ages, everyone is welcome.
NAIWA Blueberry Festival. Aug. 15 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activity Center in Cherokee, N.C. Featuring blueberry pancakes. Vendor space available at $10 per table. To reserve a table, call Hope Pheasant (828) 736-5453
Cherokee Cultural/Historic Events
Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual Inc. New Membership and Biannual Meeting on Thursday, July 9 at 4:30 p.m. at the Yellowhill Activities Center 1416 Acquoni rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. for a catered meal. Voting will be held for new membership from June demonstrations. Please RSVP by June 30 to reserve your meal by calling or come by the shop (828)497-3103.
Sequoyah Remembrance Day. Aug. 3 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at 576 HWY 360 Vonore, Tenn. 37885. Come by and learn about the amazing history of Sequoyah at the museum dedicated to the life and story of Sequoyah, creator of the Cherokee written language. Info: (423) 884-6246
Cornhusk Doll Workshop. Aug. 7 from 3 p.m. – 5p.m. at Red Clay State Historic Park. 1140 Red Clay Park Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311. Learn to craft traditional cornhusk dolls. Taught by EBCI Member Laura Walkingstick. INFO: (828) 707-6122 or email Rezdogartstudio@gmail.com
35th Annual Cherokee Festival. Sept. 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at 576 HWY 360 Vonore, Tenn. 37885. Cherokee Arts and crafts demonstrations, Cherokee storytelling, flute playing, Cherokee dances, name written in Cherokee, genealogy help, craft vendors and food vendors. Info: (423) 884-6246
EBCI Community Regular Meetings
NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.
Qualla Boundary Historical Society. meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Yellowhill Community Building 918 Acquoni Rd. Cherokee, NC. 28719. Eeryone is welcome to attend the meetings, can join and be a member. The Society is organized to promote, preserve, and educate members of the
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), residents of the Qualla Boundary, and others so interested in Cherokee culture, history, arts and crafts, and genealogy/family histories. Follow on Facebook: Qualla Boundary Historical Society.
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) Meetings
(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)
Health Board. July 15 at 8:30 a.m.
Roads Commission. July 20 at 9 a.m.
Timber Committee. July 20 at 10:30 a.m.
Planning Board. July 20 at 1 p.m.
Lands Committee. July 23 at 9 a.m.
Minor’s Fund Work Session. July 30 at 9 a.m.
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino events
Concerts and Shows
Grand Funk Railroad on its “Still Shinin’ On Tour”. Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Grand Funk Railroad: Still Shinin’ On Tour Tickets Aug 01, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster
Gary Allan. Aug 7 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Gary Allan Tickets Aug 07, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster
Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias Live. Aug. 14 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias Live Tickets Aug 14, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster
Travis Tritt. Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Travis Tritt Tickets Sep 19, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster
Mike Epps. Oct. 2 at 9 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center in Cherokee, N.C. For tickets, visit: Mike Epps Tickets Oct 02, 2026 Cherokee, NC | Ticketmaster
Promotions and Other Events
Pow Wow Listings
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Pow Wow. July 3-5 at the old Cherokee High School site in Cherokee, N.C. Emcees: Rob Daugherty, Jace Whitehouse. Invited Northern Drums: Battle River, Rattlesnake Mountain, Medicine Tail, Tha Tribe. Invited Southern Drums: Wild Band of Comanches, Cozad, Pawnee Yellow Horse, Red Arrow. Info: Daniel Tramper (828) 399-0835, dtramper@gmail.com
154th Annual Quapaw Nation Pow Wow. July 2-5 at the Quapaw Pow Wow Grounds at Beaver Springs Park in Quapaw, Okla. Emcees: JR Ross, John Arkeketa. Head Singer: Jade Roubedeaux. Info: Shawn Ellick (918) 290-0026
63rd Annual Northern Cheyenne Chiefs Pow Wow. July 2 at Kenneth Beartusk Memorial Pow Wow Grounds in Lame Deer, Mont. Emcees: Shawn Old Mouse, RD Bailey. Host Northern Drum: Ft. Peck Sioux. Host Southern Drum: Youngblood. Info: Nolan Limberhand (406) 740-1084
Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate 4th of July Wacipi. July 3-5 at the Agency Village Ceremonial Grounds in Sisseton, S.D. Emcees: Tommy Christian, Eric Jens. Host Drum: Standing Horse. Local Host Drum: Long Elk. Info: No contact information provide
Kiowa Tia-Piah Society Annual Celebration. July 2-4 at the Redbone Apache Tribal Dance Grounds in Ft. Cobb, Okla. Emcees: Alonzo Chalepah, Chris “CC” Whitewolf. Head Singer: Ronald “Ross” Gilmore-Bointy. Info: Lance Queton (512) 536-0400, Rudolph Andokobo (405) 933-4501, Theodore Toppah (580) 530-2375, or Dennis Kopepassah (580) 678-5476
Swan Lake First Nation 28th Annual Competition Pow Wow. July 3-5 at Swan Lake First Nation in Swan Lake, Manitoba, Canada. Emcees: Kaylib Eagle, Darcy Malcolm. Host Drum: Ho-Chunk Station. Info: Pauline Cameron (204) 245-0285, Rod Elk (204) 245-0285, slfnpowwow.2026@gmail.com
126th Annual Arlee Celebration Esyapqeyni. June 30 – July 5 at the Arlee Pow Wow Grounds in Arlee, Mont. Emcees: Hal Eagle Tail, Howey Thomson. Host Drum: Cree Confederation. Honorary Local Host Drum: Yamncut. Info: Ron Matt (406) 529-5464, Patricia Young Running Crane (406) 781-5470
4th of July Pow Wow. July 3-5 in Owyhee, Nev. Emcees: Tyson Shay, Martin Montgomery. Host Drum: Bear Creek. Local Host Drum: Duck Valley Singers. Info: Daliah Abel (775) 388-3552, dv.powwows@gmail.com
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians 44th Annual Bahweting Homecoming Pow Wow. July 3-5 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Emcees: Shannon Martin, Beedahsiga Elliot. Info: (906) 635-6510, culture@saulttribe.net
National Pow Wow XIX. July 9-12 at Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex in Danville, Ind. MC: Chris Bryant. Head Southern Singer: Scott George. Host Northern Drums: Scuffletown Society, Mackenzie River. Info: www.nationalpowwow.com
Sac and Fox Nation 61st Annual Pow Wow. July 9-12 at Jim Thorpe Memorial Park in Stroud, Okla. Emcees: RG Harris, Adrian Pushetonequa. Head Singer: Sidney Toppah Sr. Host Northern Drum: Smokeytown. Info: Mason Williamson (918) 306-2101
Tinta Wita (Prairie Island) Wacipi. July 10-12 in Welch, Minn. Emcees: Vince Beyl, Whitney Rencountre. Host Drum: Toka Nuwan. Info: www.prairieisland.org
Susanville Indian Rancheria 17th Annual Pow Wow. July 10-12 at Lassen County Fairgrounds in Susanville, Calif. MC: Fred Hill. Host Drum: Iron Bear. Info: Amelia Luna (530) 310-2623, powwow@slr-nsn.gov
Mandaree Celebration. July 16-19 in Mandaree, N.D. Emcees: Charlie Moran, Lawrence Baker, Jackson Rolling Thunder Tahuka. Host Drums: Mandaree, Ridge Road, Clark’s Creek, White Lodge. Info: No contact information provided
37th Annual Indian Days Pow Wow. July 17-19 at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle, Wash. Emcees: Dave Madera, Grant Timentwa. Host Drum: Eagle Spirit. Info: No contact information provided
73rd Annual Comanche Homecoming Pow Celebration. July 17-19 at Sultan Park in Walters, Okla. Emcees: Martin Flores, Kevin Sovo Jr. Head Afternoon Singer: Timothy Mononessy. Head Evening Singer: Joel Motah. Info: Nolan Tahdooahnippah (580) 919-0868, Travis Codynah (580) 647-1561, Tanya Codynah (580) 585-1353
80th Annual Dakota Oyate Wacipi. July 17-19 in Griswold, Manitoba, Canada. Emcees: Redwing Thomas, Clifton Goodwill. Host Drums: Dakota Hotain, Dakota Travels, Riverside Dakota, Wild Sioux. Invited Drums: Mato Pejuta, Bad Nation, Otter Trail, Wooden Fence, Bad War Cloud, Poundmaker, Six Shooter, Showtime, Bad Company, Bullhorn. Info: www.svdngovernance.com/dakota-oyate-annual-wacipi
Kanai Pow Wow & Celebration. July 17-19 at Red Crow Park in Standoff, Alberta, Canada. Emcees: Howie Thomson, Donnie Speidel, Tony Delaney. Info: No contact information provided
Marvin Joe Curry Seneca Veterans Pow Wow. July 17-19 at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino Event Center in Salamanca, New York. Emcees: Meeg Snake, Jason Whitehouse. Info: No contact information provided
Support Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com
Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410
Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788
Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.
MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi
Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org
Western N.C. and Beyond Events
Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society meeting. July 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center at 45 East Ridge Dr. in Bryson City, N.C. Frank March will present “The Lumber Camps, Setoff Houses, and Railroad Grades in the Smokemont Area”. Conversation and refreshments will follow the presentation. This event is free and open to the public.
Teddy Days. July 4 and July 5. Must book Farm tour ticket. at Winchester Creek Farm 386 Walker Rd, Waynesville, NC 28786. Free teddy themed gift bag for all farm tour guests. Sample baked treats, meet Uncle Sam and Teddy the Alpaca., meet Willow one of the therapy alpacas, INFO: (828) 246-9486
Pet Food Giveaway. July 15 starting at 10 a.m. at the Cherokee Animal Care Clinic 1100 US HWY 441N, Whittier, NC. 28789.
Smoky Mountain Summer Fest 2026. July 25 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Sevierville Fairgrounds, 754 Old Knoxville Hwy. Sevierville, TN. 37862. Classic car shows, food trucks, live music, vendors. Free public admission. INFO: (865) 388-0099
2026 Trade Fair. Aug. 21 – 22 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum, 522 W Madison Ave., Athens., TN. 37303. Crafts, music, history, food, textiles, quilting and more. INFO: (423) 745-0329.
Join our Local Advisory Council. Help shape the future of mentorship on the Qualla Boundary. Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Western North Carolina. Seeking community leaders, parents, retirees, business owners and residents to join the local advisory council. Contact Brandon Fouts email brandonF@bbswnc.org or call (828) 347-6097.